From Ucagiz: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

Kekova is best seen from the water, where one boat day links flooded ancient ruins, quiet coves, a natural cave, and the hilltop remains of Simena Castle. You’ll spend about seven hours aboard, with long swim stops and lunch served on the boat.

I like the generous one-hour stop at Aquarium Bay and the chance to climb above Kaleköy for wide views of the coast. I also like the value: at $45, the price covers morning snacks, fruit, lunch, and a full circuit of Kekova’s main sights. The main drawback is that the day runs on a fixed route, so you get only about one hour in Simena and much of the sightseeing is from the boat.

Key points to know before you book

• One full hour at Aquarium Bay: This is the main swimming stop, with snorkeling, fruit or morning refreshments, Turkish tea, and biscuits.
• The Sunken City is seen from the boat: You cruise past the underwater remains of ancient Dolchiste rather than going ashore or swimming among them.
• Lunch is cooked and served onboard: The boat includes lunch, with one review specifically praising meat grilled on the boat.
• Several swim stops break up the sightseeing: Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and Esmeralda Bay each offer time in the water.
• Simena Castle gets one hour: You can hike up to the ruins and necropolis, shop in Kaleköy, or stay near the harbor for another swim.
• Confirm the boat at the harbor: The information names the boat as Memedim or Mehmedim3 and the captain as Mehmet, so check the exact mooring before departure.

Why this boat trip works so well for Kekova

Kekova is a coastal area where the best sights are scattered across the water. A boat trip saves you from arranging separate transport to Aquarium Bay, Kekova Island, Gökkaya Bay, and Kaleköy. It also lets you spend the day moving at an easy holiday pace: cruise, swim, eat, cruise again.

The route is not only a sightseeing ride. You get several chances to swim and snorkel, plus free time in Simena Castle. That balance matters. If you only wanted archaeological sites, the long swim breaks might feel excessive. If you want a sunny day on the Mediterranean with some history along the way, the mix is well judged.

The boat departs from Ucagiz Village harbor between 10:20 and 10:40 in the morning and returns to the same meeting point. You should arrive early enough to find the boat without rushing. The meeting information uses both Memedim Boat and Mehmedim3 Boat, with Captain Mehmet named as the captain, so confirm the boat name and position with the provider before setting off.

Aquarium Bay gives you the biggest swim break

The first major stop is Aquarium Bay, next to Kekova Island. You get roughly one hour here, which is long enough to swim without feeling as if you must race back to the boat after a quick splash.

This is also where the morning welcome service takes place. Expect fruit, snacks, Turkish tea, and biscuits. Since food is part of the experience, you can settle in without needing to pack a full meal for the morning, though you should bring drinking water if you prefer to carry your own supply.

The bay is best for people who want time in the sea rather than a packed chain of five-minute photo stops. Bring your swimsuit and towel, as both are specifically listed as essential items. Snorkeling is offered here, although no equipment details are provided, so you should confirm whether gear is supplied or bring your own if that matters to you.

The Sunken City is a boat-only history lesson

After swimming, the boat cruises around Kekova Island and the Sunken City. The ruins belong to ancient Dolchiste, which was flooded by an earthquake in the second century. Parts of the old settlement remain underwater, creating one of Kekova’s most unusual sights.

You’ll view the ruins from the boat, with about 20 minutes set aside for the guided cruise and sightseeing. That is enough time for an introduction and photographs, but not enough for a long archaeological visit. The value here is the setting: you see traces of a settlement below the surface while moving along the same coast that caused the city to become submerged.

Follow the guide’s explanation closely, since this stop is brief. English and Turkish assistance is available, and an English or Turkish audio guide is included. The information does not promise a specialist archaeologist, so expect a practical tour explanation rather than a long academic lecture.

Burç Bay and the cooler water

The next swimming stop is identified as a quieter bay in the itinerary and as Burç Bay in the detailed route. You get around 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

The sea here is cooler because of natural underwater springs. That is useful to know before you jump in. On a hot day, the cooler water can feel refreshing. If you dislike cold water, ease in rather than making a dramatic leap and discovering the spring effect all at once.

This stop also shows why the trip is more than a simple cruise around monuments. The schedule gives you repeated chances to swim in different parts of the Kekova coast, and each cove brings a slightly different setting and water temperature.

Pirates Cave is a quick but memorable sight

Pirates Cave is a naturally formed cave with a large size and curved entrance. You see it from the boat during a short sightseeing cruise.

There is no stated walking visit inside the cave, so treat this as a view from the water rather than an exploration stop. It is a small part of the day, but the unusual shape gives the route some variety. After swimming and ancient ruins, a natural cave makes a welcome change.

Keep your camera ready as the boat approaches. The schedule does not give a long time here, and the boat continues toward Gökkaya Bay.

Gökkaya Bay combines lunch, swimming, and free time

Gökkaya Bay is the main food stop, with about 45 minutes for sightseeing, swimming, and lunch onboard. The trip includes lunch, and one especially useful detail is that the meat may be grilled directly on the boat. That gives the meal a more memorable feel than a prepacked sandwich.

Fruit service is also included. The exact menu is not specified, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish or a special diet menu unless you confirm it in advance.

You may also find water sports available at Gökkaya Bay. The information does not specify which activities are offered or whether they cost extra, so ask on the day before committing. The safest way to view this stop is as a lunch and swim break, with water sports as an optional extra rather than a guaranteed part of the price.

Because lunch and swimming share the same short stop, you may need to choose your priorities. Eat first if you dislike returning to the water hungry. If you want more swim time, you can likely keep the meal simple and get back in quickly.

Esmeralda Bay slows the afternoon down

Esmeralda Bay, also spelled Esmaralda Koyu in the schedule, is another swim and snorkeling stop. You get around 40 minutes here.

The appeal is quiet time. By this point, you have seen the Sunken City, a cave, and several coves. Esmeralda Bay gives you a calmer pause before the final major visit at Simena Castle.

As with the other water stops, bring a towel and swimwear, and plan for wet clothes during the return journey. The boat has space inside and on the upper deck according to the supplied trip details, with mattresses available for relaxing. That matters on a seven-hour outing, since you are not standing or sitting in the same position all day.

Simena Castle is the cultural high point

The boat anchors at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, for one hour. This is your main chance to step ashore and see the castle ruins and necropolis.

You can hike up the hillside for views across the Kekova region. The climb is the best use of your hour if you want photographs and a sense of how the ruins relate to the coastline. The information does not give a walking time or difficulty rating, so allow enough time to get back to the port before the boat leaves.

If you prefer not to climb, you can spend your hour exploring the small village, browsing shops, or swimming near the harbor. You can also admire the castle from below. This flexibility makes the stop work for mixed groups, especially if one person wants ruins and another would rather stay by the water.

The entrance fee is not included and is listed as 1 euro. That is a small extra cost, but carry some cash so it does not complicate your short visit. Since you have only one hour, decide before arriving whether the castle hike is your priority. Wandering slowly through the village, climbing to the ruins, and swimming are all possible in theory, but doing all three thoroughly would be difficult.

Lunch, snacks, and the $45 price

At $45 per person, this boat trip offers solid value if you plan to use the included food and swimming stops. You get about seven hours on the water, morning snacks, fruit, tea and biscuits, lunch, several swim breaks, a boat cruise past the Sunken City, and one hour in Simena.

The strongest value comes from the length of the day. Shorter Kekova trips may cost less, but they do not give you as much time for swimming and may skip some bays. Here, the price covers a full route rather than a quick ride to one landmark.

The tradeoff is that this is a shared day with a planned schedule. You cannot linger at the Sunken City, extend your time at Aquarium Bay, or turn Simena into a long archaeological visit. I would choose this trip for variety and value, not for a private or highly flexible experience.

The boat is described as spacious, with room inside and on top, plus mattresses for relaxing. That is helpful, especially during the longer cruise sections. Still, anyone who finds seven hours on a boat tiring should think about the duration. The route includes plenty of activity, but the day remains a full outing.

Who will enjoy this Kekova day most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a first taste of Kekova without piecing together several local boat rides. It suits swimmers, couples, families who enjoy being on the water, and anyone who wants ancient sites in small portions rather than a full day of ruins.

It is also a good match if you care about food being included. The onboard lunch and fruit service reduce the need to plan meals during a day spent away from Ucagiz. The grilled meat mentioned in the tour details is a particularly appealing touch for people who like a hot meal rather than picnic food.

You should think twice if you want a quiet private cruise, a serious archaeological tour, or long time at each stop. The English guide support can vary in style. One tour experience had Turkish commentary with an English-speaking guide named Mustafa providing explanations and answering questions, so English help is available, but the presentation may not always be a formal English narration from the captain.

If you are visiting in the shoulder or off season, confirm that the tour is operating. A booking issue occurred early in the season when the scheduled departure was not initially running. The provider later arranged a private tour at the same price, which showed useful flexibility, but a direct confirmation before you go is still the sensible move.

Practical tips for making the day easier

Bring swimwear and a towel, and wear something comfortable for the Simena Castle climb. You may also want a light cover-up for the boat ride back after swimming.

Arrive at Ucagiz Village harbor with time to find the correct boat. The boat is listed under slightly different names, Memedim and Mehmedim3, and Captain Mehmet is the named captain. Ask the provider to confirm the exact boat position before departure, especially if several boats are loading at the harbor.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your route through Antalya Province is still changing.

The activity is offered with English and Turkish host or greeter support, plus an English and Turkish audio guide. Simena Castle entrance costs 1 euro extra. The tour ends back at Ucagiz harbor, where you can continue into the village for dinner or travel onward.

Should you book this boat trip?

Book it if you want a well-priced full day on the water with plenty of swimming, included food, Kekova’s Sunken City, Pirates Cave, and time at Simena Castle. The long Aquarium Bay stop, hot onboard lunch, and several later swim breaks give the day a relaxed rhythm despite the number of stops.

Skip it if you want a private schedule or a long, detailed visit to the ruins. For most people looking for a broad introduction to Kekova at $45, though, this is a practical choice. Confirm the boat and departure in advance, pack your towel, and save enough energy for the climb above Kaleköy.

FAQ

Where does the Kekova boat trip start and end?

The trip starts and ends at Ucagiz Village harbor. The meeting information names the boat as Memedim Boat or Mehmedim3 Boat, with Captain Mehmet.

How long does the activity last?

The boat trip lasts about seven hours. Departure is scheduled between 10:20 and 10:40 in the morning, with exact starting times subject to availability.

What food is included?

Morning snacks, fruit service, Turkish tea, biscuits, and lunch are included. Lunch is served onboard, and meat may be grilled on the boat.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling stops include Aquarium Bay, Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and Esmeralda Bay. Aquarium Bay has about one hour for swimming.

Can I visit Simena Castle?

Yes. The boat stops at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, for one hour. You can walk uphill to the castle ruins and necropolis or spend your time in the village and by the water.

Is the Simena Castle entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee is listed as 1 euro and is paid separately.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. These are the specifically listed items for the activity.